Don't take African generosity towards refugees for granted, says UN refugee chief.

The international community must not take the generosity of Africans for granted, UN refugee chief, Filippo Grandi, told an informal meeting of Security Council members at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.

Speaking via video-link from Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, described Africa as a 'humanitarian theatre', referring to the recently published Global Trends report from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), which shows a significant increase in the number of people in Africa forced to feel their homes.

At the same time, he said, Africa is a 'humanitarian leader', and a positive example for other parts of the world, with many nations on the continent championing progressive policies towards refugees: 'Unlike in other regions, including regions where countries have more resources and more means to respond, borders tend to stay open to refugee flows.'

Security Council must 'redouble efforts' to find political solutions

Referring to the role of the Security Council in tackling the challenges associated with refugees, migration and displacement, Mr. Grandi called on States to redouble political efforts to find solutions, because, he said, where they are successful - as in the relatively rare case of Cote d'Ivoire -refugees and displaced people do return home.

We owe it to millions of ordinary Africans who keep their doors open, and share often scarce resources Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

The UN refugee chief wrapped up his briefing with a tribute to the solidarity shown by Africans towards those forced to flee their homes, pointing out that, unlike in other parts of the world, such solidarity is not a subject of political debate: 'We owe it to millions of ordinary Africans in villages, towns, and cities who, out of a sense of duty, cultural tradition, or their own values, keep their doors open, and share often scarce resources'.

Bience Gawanas, Special Adviser on Africa to the Secretary-General, also addressed the meeting, echoed Mr. Grandi's recognition of African solidarity to displaced people. She declared that the Security Council has a responsibility to find coherent solutions to displacement, as opposed to 'siloed' approaches to peace, humanitarian affairs and development that are neither effective, nor durable.

Ms. Gawanas said the best way to deal with...